I don’t know about you, but having spent my childhood in North America, but not my adult years, I’ve never lost the craving for many American things I had when I grew up. To this day, I will gobble up Junior Mints whenever I’m on this side of the globe, even though I don’t even think they’re that good anymore. Many of us have such cravings, or simply want something that can only be found somewhere else. When that happens, we start looking for someone we know who’s making the trip, but many times that’s impossible to find.

This issue is on my mind a lot, and many times I thought to myself: Wouldn’t it be awesome if someone making the trip here anyway could bring what I want on the way? Seems like I wasn’t alone in that wish, as apparent from the popularity of a new service called mmMule.

mmMule is a community built around people who want things they can’t get, and people who travel the world and are willing to bring them. Part of mmMule is AngelMule, which is aimed at helping non-profit organizations around the world.

Read on to find out how you can get that thing you’ve been craving, or how you can help a fellow person get what they want.

Become A Mule

If you wish to become a Mule, that is, bring something to another person, all you have to do is search mmMule for a request in the destination you’re traveling to. You can enter only a destination, to browse all requests for that place, or enter your current location as well, to see specific requests that match your travel plans.

There are all sorts of interesting requests on mmMule, ranging from Japanese chocolate and Kangaroo meat to iPhones and pet rabbits. Browsing all the requests is interesting enough, even if you don’t plan a trip any time soon.

As you can see, those who post requests usually also post what they’d give in return for the shipment. These rewards are usually a local experience, a drink or a meal, but they can be pretty much anything. When looking for requests, you can filter them by rewards, to find someone who’s offering a reward you’re interested in. Note that regardless of reward, Mules are always paid back for their purchases, unless they’re delivering items to a non-profit organization.

You can also filter your search by the item requested, if there’s only a specific kind of item you’re willing to deliver. You can also filter the requests so you only see AngelMule charity requests, if you’re going to a place where people might need clothes, books, or anything similar.

If you find a request you can fill, communicate with that person on the built-in chat interface. Also, follow mmMule’s common sense safety tips before doing anything else.

Submitting A Request

If there’s an item you really want from somewhere in the world, you can easily submit a request to mmMule. In order to do that, you’d need to create an account on mmMule or log in using your Facebook account.

For each request you submit, you’d need to specify the item you’re after, which category it belongs to, where it can be found (optional) and where you want it shipped to. You should also specify the approximate cost of the item, and agree to pay back for the item (unless you’re a non-profit organization).

The next stage is filling in what you’re willing to give in return for the item you want. This can be pretty much anything you think your Mule will enjoy.

That’s about it. Now all you have to do is wait for someone to contact you. Naturally, you should follow the safety tips when accepting a Mule as well.

So What Is AngelMule?

AngelMule operates under the same principals as mmMule, but here it’s more about charity. If you’re traveling to a developing country, or to any destination where people may need help, you can browse the AngelMule wants to find a way you can help.

In this case, you’re probably not going to be paid back, but there are still interesting rewards offered, aside from the great feeling you get when you do a good deed.

How Will You Use mmMule?

Already have something you want in mind? Did you find something you can deliver? Share in the comments!